Joseph Hassan Yaye, a 44-year-old Congolese national, has appeared before the Makhado Magistrate’s Court after being arrested for allegedly defrauding a retired policewoman in Limpopo of her pension payout. The case, described by authorities as a fraudulent business investment scam, has left the victim out of hundreds of thousands of rands.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the provincial police spokesperson, Yaye will remain in custody until May 30 to arrange for an interpreter.
The victim, a 54-year-old former South African Police Service (SAPS) employee, was allegedly persuaded to resign from her job and invest her pension money into a supposed business venture orchestrated by Yaye and an accomplice, who remains at large.
Shortly after receiving her lump sum pension in May 2023, the woman withdrew R500,000 and handed it to Yaye. She later made additional bank transfers to his account. When both men disappeared, she realized she had been conned and filed a police report in July 2023.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has previously warned of a rise in similar scams targeting women in Limpopo. In another incident, a retired teacher in Polokwane was scammed out of more than R800,000 after meeting a scammer posing as a romantic interest.
Police urge anyone with information on the missing suspect to contact Warrant Officer Corlet Baloyi at 072 160 5396, use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, visit the nearest police station, or use the My SAPS App.
